To the ‘Undiscerning Christian’

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1). If you are someone who takes the Bible seriously, then this exhortation from the Apostle John should be thoughtfully considered. In this verse, John calls upon all born-again believers to use spiritual discernment when listening to those who claim to speak in God’s behalf. Those 1st century saints were instructed to be careful hearers and not simply believe everything someone has to say. John wisely warns, there are many pretend prophets in the world and the aged apostle wants his readers to avoid false teachers who would lead them astray.

This godly admonition equally applies to those of us living in the 21st century. We too ought to exercise Scriptural discernment. Whether we are following a worship service online, watching a preacher on TV, listening to an evangelist on the radio or even hearing our favorite preacher speak; we ought to be discerning disciples. Friends, just because someone claims to speak in God’s behalf doesn’t mean they’re telling the truth. There were, and there still are, many false prophets out there under the umbrella of Evangelicalism. This divine demand warns the Christian against harmful gullibility and a corrosive apathy. Note again, “beloved, do not believe every spirit.” Or, it could be translated, “beloved, stop believing every spirit.” That word “spirit” references every person who claims to speak for God. John says, stop taking them all at their word. Instead, try them, that is – put them to the test to determine whether they are speaking truth or error. 

Sadly, this is a practice that is performed far too seldom in Christian circles. Biblical discernment, though demanded, is all but extinct and that carries serious eternal consequences. Too many Christians dangerously receive whatever someone says without holding their claims up against the litmus test of Scripture. I say this both as a criticism of modern Christianity and as a plea for change. Friends, just because someone is standing in a church building, behind a pulpit, “dressed like a preacher,” holding a Bible and insisting he (or she) has a word from God, doesn’t make it so!

There are a couple age old adages that I think would serve Christians well to remember when it comes to this subject.

First, “don’t believe everything you hear.” Seriously, don’t. Rather than just assuming this person is teaching you the Word of God, do like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” Notice, the hearers did not automatically reject what was taught, nor did they naively assume the message was Biblically accurate. Instead, those Berean believers listened with a teachable spirit, but then opened the Scriptures for themselves to determine whether they were being taught fact or fiction. Church-goer do you do this? Do you know enough of the Word of God to know whether you are being instructed in Biblical truth? Do you follow-up on the preacher to make sure he is accurately explaining and applying the Biblical text? I don’t know of a single pastor (worth his salt) who would take exception to this. I want the members of MHBC to check up on me. I am not infallible and fully expect them to hold me accountable if I misspeak or teach wrongly.

The second saying that would benefit born-again believers to remember comes from the lyrical wisdom of the singer/songwriter, Dan Seals. Here it is, “Everything that Glitters is not Gold!” In other words, just because someone has a growing flourishing ministry that is constantly drawing new faces and reaching the masses, doesn’t necessarily mean God is at work. Don’t misunderstand me, even though I pastor a small congregation, I don’t begrudge the success of any other ministers … as long as they are rightly teaching and handling the word of God. Sadly, not all are. Not even right here in our small community. Listen to a hard but vital truth; in 2nd Corinthians 11:14-15 the Bible states that even Satan himself can transform, or appear as a messenger of light. Further yet, it is no great marvel when “his ministers” appear as messengers of righteousness. Did you catch that? God has His ministers and messengers and Satan has his. This is exactly why John warns us to try the spirits to determine whether they are of God! Jesus Himself said beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15-20). They’re out there and they seek to do you harm.

Folks, not every voice who claims to speak for God, actually does. I urge you to be cautious of those preachers who so readily boast that “God has given them a message!” How do we know that to be true? It may not have been God at all? The truth is, God has already spoken, in His Word, and it is sufficient! I want my loved ones to hear, what thus saith the Lord – not what someone dreamed up in their own mind.

Be a discerning disciple who loves Jesus and your family enough to ensure you are being taught the whole counsel of God. If your pastor doesn’t constantly and clearly proclaim salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone – you need to find out why.